Country Duration

China Encounters

China tour information

Great_Wall Terracotta_Warriors Pandas Yangtze_River_Cruise Buddhist_Site Beautiful_Scenery Temples_&_Palaces UNESCO_World_Heritage Cultural_Show Shopping  
Great Wall of China Terracotta Warriors Pandas Yangtze River Cruise Buddhist Site Beautiful Scenery Temples & Palaces UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Show Shopping  

Spectacular Scenery

28 days from £2990

China Encounters

Admire some of the most spectacular scenery that China has to offer. Enjoy a four night cruise along the Yangtze River that passes through the dramatic Three Gorges and explore the beauty of Yunnan Province. Visit attractive Lijiang, discover the Tibetan town of Zhongdian and relax in delightful Dali.

This tour reaches a maximum altitude of 4,500m at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Save an additional £50pp on 13th March 2012 departure!
Subject to availbility. Terms and conditions apply.

Included in the price

  • all international airfares
  • all domestic transportation, departure taxes and current fuel surcharges
  • all accommodation
  • all meals
  • entrance fees, guides and daily tours
  • visa fees for UK passport holders

Days 1-2 : UK – Beijing

Fly overnight to Beijing, China's capital city. Our evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Day 3 : Beijing

Walk on the Great Wall to appreciate its historical significance and then visit the unique Temple of Heaven. Enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening.

Days 4-5 : Chengde – Beijing

Travel by train to Chengde, the former holiday resort of the Qing Dynasty and visit the imperial mountain villas and the exceptional temples built for Tibetan and Mongolian warlords. Stay overnight in Chengde and return to Beijing the next day.

Day 6 : Beijing – Xian

Sightseeing today includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, which has the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China. We also tour the exquisite Summer Palace before boarding the overnight train to the former ancient capital of Xian.

Days 7-8 : Xian

Arrive in Xian and visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening we will enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. The next day, visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the Terracotta Warriors, followed by a walk along the Ancient City Wall.

Day 9 : Xian – Wuhan

Visit the renowned Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. We also stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter, past the Great Mosque to explore the Islamic food markets before boarding the overnight train to Wuhan.

Day 10 : Yangtze River Cruise

Arrive in Wuhan in the morning. Visit the Yellow Crane Tower and East Lake. Transfer to Yichang to board our Yangtze River Cruise vessel.

Days 11-13 : Yangtze River Cruise

Enjoy a tour of the Three Gorges Dam before cruising upstream through some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Over the next three days, we will take a side-trip to the striking Shennong Stream in a pea-pod boat or visit the Lesser Three Gorges and enjoy various shore excursions along the way.

Day 14 : Chongqing – Chengdu

Disembark from our cruise vessel this morning and transfer to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Visit Mt Qincheng, a holy Taoist mountain and explore the colourful markets. Enjoy a delicious Sichuan meal in the evening.

Days 15-16 : Chengdu – Kunming

Visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these adorable animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. The next day, is at leisure before boarding the overnight train to Kunming, also known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’.

Days 17-18 : Kunming

Arrive in Kunming this morning and explore the flower market. In the evening we sample the famous Across the Bridge Noodles. The next day, explore the picturesque Stone Forest where the huge limestone columns form surreal shapes and images.

Day 19 : Kunming – Lijiang

Fly to Lijiang, a UNESCO world heritage site and wander through the quaint cobbled streets and along the meandering waterways of the Old Quarter. We also visit Black Dragon Pool.

Day 20 : Lijiang

Visit the impressive Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which soars to a height of 5500m. Take a chairlift to explore one of the highest meadows and tour the Baisha Frescoes. In the evening, enjoy the acclaimed Naxi Ancient Music Show and admire the traditional costumes.

Day 21 : Lijiang – Zhongdian

Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the most dramatic and deepest gorges in the world and enjoy the truly breathtaking scenery that surrounds it. Continue by coach to Zhongdian.

Days 22-23 : Zhongdian

Explore the Baishui Terrace, where sparkling spring water cascades over layers of limestone pools. The next day, visit Napa Hai Lake and the Songshanlin Monastery built by a historical Dalai Lama over 300 years ago.

Days 24-25 : Dali

Travel by coach to the enchanting town of Dali. Here we explore Dali’s Ancient Quarter and visit Xizhou Village to explore the bustling local market and the Yen Family House, an ancient courtyard home. We also see Bai women demonstrate their traditional tie-dying technique in Zhoucheng Village. The next day, visit the Three Pagodas and enjoy a cruise on Erhai Lake. In the evening, stroll down Foreigners' Street and soak in the lively atmosphere of the market.

Day 26 : Dali – Kunming

Fly to Kunming. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Days 27-28 : Kunming – UK

Fly overnight to the UK via Hong Kong, arriving home the following day.

Dates and Prices

Depart UK Arrive UK Price pp from  
* 13 Mar 2012 9 Apr 2012 £2,990
* 10 Apr 2012 7 May 2012 £2,990
* 1 May 2012 28 May 2012 £2,990
* 15 May 2012 11 Jun 2012 £2,990
* 29 May 2012 25 Jun 2012 £2,990
* 10 Jul 2012 6 Aug 2012 £2,990
* 7 Aug 2012 3 Sep 2012 £3,290
* 21 Aug 2012 17 Sep 2012 £3,290
* 4 Sep 2012 1 Oct 2012 £3,190
* 18 Sep 2012 15 Oct 2012 £3,190
* 25 Sep 2012 22 Oct 2012 £3,190
* 16 Oct 2012 12 Nov 2012 £3,190


Tour departs Tuesday and returns Monday
*Tour excludes The Naxi Ancient Music Show for 2012 dates onwards

  • Prices are fully inclusive from the UK and based on London Heathrow departures
  • Regional departures available
  • Flight upgrades available on request
  • Land only from £2,390pp Beijing - Kunming)
  • Single supplement from £690 (no supplement if you are willing to share)
  • Tipping payable locally US$90pp (2011)
  • Tipping payable locally US$95pp (2012)
  • Medium Paced Tour

Hainan Island - 6D/5N

Hainan Island

    Day 1: Arrive Sanya
    Transfer from Sanya Airport to the five-star Crowne Plaza Hotel at Yalong Bay. Hainan Island is located off the southern coast of China and lying at a similar latitude to Hawaii. The island enjoys a year-round tropical climate with an average temperature of between 22-26 ºC.(B)

    Days 2-5: Sanya
    Spend the next four days at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities, stroll along the beautiful beach or further explore Hainan Island. Visit the Tropical Wildlife Park which is home to the 'Macaque' monkey, experience the many watersports on offer such as snorkelling, water-skiing and parasailing or play a round of golf. All activities are optional and paid locally. (B)

    Day 6: Depart Sanya
    Transfer from your hotel to Sanya Airport for your onward flight. (B)

    Hotel Information:

    Crowne Plaza Hotel at Yalong Bay
    With its beachfront location, this tropical delight has all modern amenities. Facilities at the hotel include Café Trio with its open concept kitchens and poolside setting serving Chinese, Japanese and Italian cuisine, a Thai restaurant and a Seafood restaurant. The Havana Bar features tapas, exotic cocktails and live music. There is also a pool bar and a lobby lounge. Other facilities at the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, Tea Tree Spa with sauna and jacuzzi and a gift shop. The hotel boasts 463 comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, satellite TV with DVD player, tea/coffee making facilities, mini-bar, hairdryer and a safe deposit box.

    Price from £ 450.00pp

    Other Supplement from:

    Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation

    Single supplement from £370
    Sole passenger price from £890
    Includes: accommodation, local transportation and meals as stated
    Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping

Hong Kong Extension - 4D/3N

Hong Kong Extension

    Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
    Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.

    Day 2: Hong Kong
    Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)

    Day 3: Hong Kong
    Enjoy the day at leisure to further explore Hong Kong. (B)

    Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
    Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)

    Hotel Prices:
    BP International 3*+ star from £260pp
    Park Hotel 4*  from £290pp
    Harbour Grand Kowloon 4*+ from £420pp
    Intercontinental Grand Stanford 5* from £460pp

    Price from £ 260.00pp

    Other Supplement from:

    Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation

    Single supplement from £160
    Sole passenger price from £420
    Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, entrance fees, guides and meals as stated
    Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping

Hong Kong & Lantau Island - 4D/3N

Hong Kong & Lantau Island

    Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
    Transfer from Hong Kong Airport to your hotel.

    Day 2: Hong Kong
    Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)

    Day 3: Lantau Island
    Travel by ferry across the Victoria Harbour to Silvermine Bay and visit beautiful Cheung Sha beach. This is followed by Tai O Fishing Village, where many homes are built on stilts. Then travel to Ngong Ping Plateau to see the Giant Buddha and explore Po Lin Monastery where you will enjoy a vegetarian lunch. Later, visit the culturally themed Ngong Ping Village before ending the day with a spectacular ride aboard the Skyrail cable car. (B,L) If the cable car is cancelled due to poor weather or any other reason, alternative transportation will be arranged.

    Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
    Transfer from your hotel to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)

    Hotel Prices:
    BP International 3* from £360pp
    Park Hotel 4* from £390pp
    Harbour Grand Kowloon 4*+ from £520pp
    Intercontinental Grand Stanford 5* from £560pp

    Price from £ 360.00pp

    Other Supplement from:

    Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation

    Single supplement from £160
    Sole passenger price from £520
    Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, entrance feels, guides and meals as stated
    Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping

Hong Kong & Macau - 4D/3N

Hong Kong & Macau

    Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
    Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.

    Day 2: Hong Kong
    Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)

    Day 3: Macau
    Transfer to the port for a hydrofoil ride across the Pearl River Estuary to Macau. Visit the sights of this former Portuguese colony including the ruins of the St. Paul Church, Ama Temple and Macau Museum (closed Mondays). There will also be the opportunity to visit one of the local casinos for which Macau is famous (minimum age 18). Return by hydrofoil to Hong Kong. (B,L)

    Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
    Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)

    Hotel Prices:
    BP International 3* from £380pp
    Park Hotel 4* from £410pp
    Harbour Grand Kowloon 4*+ from £540pp
    Intercontinental Grand Stanford 5* from £580pp

    Price from £ 380.00pp

    Other Supplement from:

    Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation

    Single supplement from £160
    Sole passenger price from £540
    Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, guides, entrance fees and meals as stated
    Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping

Hong Kong Shopping - 4D/3N

Hong Kong Shopping

    Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
    Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.

    Days 2-3: Hong Kong
    Enjoy a two day shopping tour (5 hours per day) including Chinese Dim Sum lunches at local restaurants. During the two days, visit the Horizon Plaza, Aberdeen Fishing Market, Porcelain and Jewellery factories, Stanley Market, Jade Market and the Ladies’ Market. (B,L)

    Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
    Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)

    Hotel Prices:
    BP International 3* from £560pp
    Park Hotel 4* from £590pp
    Harbour Grand Kowloon 4*+ from £720pp
    Intercontinental Grand Stanford 5* from £760pp

    Price from £ 560.00pp

    Other Supplement from:

    Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation

    Single supplement from £440
    Sole passenger price from £990
    Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, entrance fees, guides and meals as stated
    Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping

This document is designed to be read in conjunction with the other pre-departure information provided by Wendy Wu Tours including the tour itinerary as described in our brochure and/or website. It aims to provide a straightforward description of the physical activities involved in sightseeing or travelling during the tour.

If there are any particular challenges, from the length of time spent on your feet, the length of drives and flights, to the standard of remote accommodation for our more adventurous tours; they will be explained here.

All passengers must read this document to ensure the itinerary is suitable for their interests and physical capabilities. This is not your final itinerary and therefore does not mention all the sites visited. The order of sightseeing is subject to change.

China Encounters (formerly Yangtze river Panorama) June 2011